AIP FYI #10: 2002 Congressional Calendar

Congress has now reconvened for the second session of the 107th
Congress. Next week, on February 4, President Bush will submit
his FY 2003 budget request to Congress. This will start the
appropriations cycle for fiscal year 2003, which begins on
October 1, 2002.

Below is the tentative congressional calendar for the coming
year. Because it is an election year, Members of Congress will
try to spend as much time as possible in their state or district
offices, and will try to wrap up their work early enough to
campaign before the elections in November. However, with Members
trying to stake out positions prior to the election, and with a
projected deficit looming, this is likely to be a difficult and
contentious session.

Visiting with your Members of Congress can be one of the most
effective ways of communicating your views. This year, you may
be more likely to find them available if you set up a visit at
their local state or district offices, particularly during one of
the House’s District Work Periods. You may also want to consider
inviting a Member to visit your university or laboratory. Keep
in mind that House Members are generally in their districts from
Friday through Monday, and spend Tuesday through Thursday on
Capitol Hill.

Please see “Communicating with Congress” on our web site at
http://www.aip.org/gov for more information on planning an
effective visit with your Members of Congress.

CONGRESSIONAL CALENDAR FOR 2002:

January 23             Congress reconvenes

February 18 – 22       Winter District Work Period
March 25 – April 5     Spring District Work Period
May 27 – 31            Memorial Day District Work Period
July 1 – 5             Independence Day District Work Period
July 26                Summer Recess Begins – House
August 2               Summer Recess Begins – Senate
September 3            Return from Summer Recess
September 16           Congress Not In Session – Yom Kippur
October 4              Targeted Adjournment Date
November 5             General Elections

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Audrey T. Leath

Media and Government Relations Division

The American Institute of Physics

fyi@aip.org

(301) 209-3094

http://www.aip.org/gov

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